Yvon Bonesso, a
vice-president of the Confédération des syndicats nationaux union representing
the ambulance attendants, said the picnic-style demonstration was meant to
attract public attention to the strike by 2,500, which began on Dec. 24, 2012.

“We’re on strike
and we’re giving 100 per cent service,” Bonesso said, saying that in normal
times, less than 100 per cent of ambulance service is available.

“It’s better than
usual,” he added. “Our hands are tied.”

Quebec’s essential services commission has ruled the union must maintain
full ambulance service during their strike.

Bonesso said the
union is not seeking a wage increase.Instead it is
asking for changes in the pay scale so that its members reach the top pay scale
in five years, as is the case in other provinces.Now it takes 16 years to reach the top scale.The union is also
seeking pension improvements.

Bonesso said
ambulance workers often quit, are injured or get too sick to work before
reaching normal retirement age, similar to what happens to police, firefighters
and people in the military.

They also want the
same recognition that paramedics get in other provinces.